A running enthusiast who loves to chat and help runners accomplish their goals, Chris Mason, is joining forces with the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation for an exciting new Cap Trail Work Your Way to 5k program. Not just your average runner, Chris embarked on his running journey in 2013 and hasn't looked back. With an impressive 13 marathons and 5 ultra marathons under his belt, he offers a wealth of experience and knowledge. His dedication and love for running are truly genuine and inspiring, making him the perfect mentor for anyone looking to conquer their 5k dreams.
Not just about running for his own benefit; he's deeply involved in the running community. He volunteers as a head coach for one of the Sports Backers Marathon training teams, Team Sky, and also serves as a coach for the Richmond Road Runners Winter team. His dedication to helping others achieve their running goals extends far beyond any program, making him a true advocate for the sport.
what inspired you to start running?
I have been running for a bit over 10 years now (which is crazy as sometimes I still feel new to the game). However, the decade of running says I'm not. Ha! I actually started running after I quit smoking. That's right, I smoked for 16-plus years and was a pretty heavy smoker, a pack-of-day kind of guy. I figured what better way to try to fix my lungs than running? That's where it started and here I am, 10 years later! #geesh #timeflies
What was one of your most memorable experiences?
I gotta give this one to running Chicago in 19. I just came back from a medical procedure so I didn't know what to expect; however, it was such an amazing race. It was the first major, ok only major, that I've run and the crowd support was off the chain. Funny tidbit about that day... I was struggling at the end of the race and I remember this guy running in front of me, chill as could be, ordering dinner for later that night. I was like really? Sheesh! Definitely one to add to your bucket list as they have a 5k and full marathon as well!
Any successes/milestones that you would like to share?
I think every race is a success, not to sound like that guy, but it's true. But I'll say tackling my first ultra-marathon (which is any distance over 26.2) was one of my running highlights for sure. I also finally achieved that sub-four hour marathon that had eluded me for years so that made this guy #prettyhappy, too.
What do you consider the most rewarding thing about running?
I do love this question because a lot of times you think about the physical benefits of running, but it's made me mentally stronger as well. I mean once you realize you could run a few miles, what can you not do? While running is definitely physically beneficial, pushing myself has provided me with mental confidence I didn't have before running. #deepthoughtswMason
What is one of the most challenging aspects you have faced?
I've been pretty lucky to stay injury-free, but sometimes an obstacle that I run into is just the fatigue of running itself. You know when you train year-round it gets a little tiresome, it’s natural for that to happen. I always say take a few days off, change up your routes or maybe run with some new friends because the last thing you ever want to do is outrun your passion for running. #herehegoesagain
Any tips, tricks, or lessons learned?
I would say one of the best lessons I learned was never to trust the first mile. There are going to be days where you go out and the first mile feels like #trash, don't trust it because those are the runs that are going to end up being the best ones. Pinky promise!
One last thing that I would share is sometimes people like to think that they're not a runner because they're not running 17 miles, etc. I definitely want to say that is not the case, we have to squash that thought process or perception because anybody who gets out and runs is a runner. Keep doing your thing, runners!
